PattyJ

Because I live in Japan, you should be aware that, though my FPO address IS in the United States, all parcels and most bulky envelopes will require a green and white customs form. You will have to go to the PO to mail it. Sorry! 8-)

Psalm 27:1 "The LORD is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

I am a sewing educator doing a short-term masquerade as an administrative assistant for a very well-known organization which serves the US military. We live in Okinawa, Japan.

I have a great time shopping here. Though I can't get clothes or shoes (being the big American girl that I am), there are so many cool little things that you can't get anywhere else. Those of you who are my swap partners will receive some of those fun little things along the way.

I LOVE my sewing machines/sergers (Designer I, Rose, Pfaff Hobblylock, and Huskylock 936, a new gift from my husband!) I teach and enjoy all kinds of sewing: quilting, machine embroidery, heirloom sewing.

I have invested in various scrapbooking supplies: paper, stamps and ink, etc., but have yet to get any of my photos done for albums. I think the idea of digging into 20+ years of photos is a little intimidating. They look pretty good in their boxes. 8-) However, after challenging myself with some papercraft swaps, I think I am ready to give the scrapbooking a try.

In another attempt at expanding my creativity, I have also dabbled with the Donna Dewberry painting technique. The jury's still out on that one.

I have a sweet little dog, Dot, who is a Corgi/Chow mix. (?Chorgi?) We got her a baby of her own, whom we named Dash. Dash is a mutt with a small frame and curly tail. Dot is blonde, and Dash is brunette. Dash is really smart, and is training very well. They are both very good girls.

I love COLOR: FABRIC, THREAD, BUTTONS, CARDS, you name it- everything colorful. One of my favorites is the soft green/purple combo. Don't know why- it just rings my bell.

I love things that look happy. I love kites (I carry one in the back of my car, just in case...), but don't do the kite-motif thing in decor.

Anything Tony Bennett, Jane Monheit, Diana Krall, Michael Buble, the "American Standards" (Berlin, the Gershwins, Cole Porter), big band, some of the pre-rock 50's stuff, beach music, classical. Love Barry Manilow- we saw his show in Las Vegas- he puts the FAB back in FABULOUS.

I have also just discovered Universal Christian Radio (UCR) at Live365. I like to have that on at work; it is very soothing without being stodgy. I am SO GLAD for online radio. It fills a large void. The only English-language radio here is American Forces Network, which programs for a much younger audience.

Old stuff: Harvey (James Stewart),Most Katherine Hepburn/Spencer Tracy movies, Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, Rosalind Russell... you get the idea. I LOVE Pixar films... so droll. I also liked Johnny Depp in the first "Pirates" for that same reason.

I like some of the do-it-yourself home shows, and my favorite last year was THE CLOSER on TNT. Bummer- our cable here in Japan doesn't carry that network. I guess I will have to buy it on DVD.

You already saw that... I am game to try just about any craft.

Thanks to Swap-bot, I am now broadening my horizons and trying new craft techniques. I have made cards, envelope books (which I love!), bookmarks, and ATCs. It's fun to sign up for swaps that force my little head outside its box.